Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen on the afternoon of December 16, 2025 rejected reports by some Thai media outlets that Russian troops and other foreigners were helping Cambodia fight what the article describes as Thai military aggression. He said no Russian or other foreign nationals were fighting on the battlefield or serving as military advisers to Cambodian forces.
Hun Sen gave the following explanation:
“In recent days, some Thai media have reported that Russian troops and other foreigners are fighting in Cambodia. To uphold the dignity of Cambodia, Russia and the other foreigners accused, I wish to make clear that no Russian or other foreign nationals are fighting on the battlefield or serving as military advisers to Cambodian forces.
We have had no foreign troops stationed on Cambodian territory since the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia withdrew in 1993. We acknowledge that foreign troops have come to Cambodia for multinational or bilateral exercises, particularly foreign naval forces visiting through the seaport in Preah Sihanouk province. This is a normal practice that other countries also follow within defence cooperation.
We also acknowledge that foreigners of many nationalities currently stay in Cambodia as tourists, investors, technicians or employees of foreign or domestic companies, among others. But they have no involvement in military activities or combat.” Adapted by: ចិន្តា ទីទិ
